Attorney General McKenna Issues Consumer Alert About Phony Charity

The company's Web site states: "We are a job business training company designed to teach young adults about self discipline, personal growth, self esteem and setting goals for the future."

The Seattle address listed on Web site is 93 S. Jackson St. Suite 8135, but it's just a mailbox. According to McKenna's press release, the owner of the business lives in California and has ignored repeated attempts to by the Secretary of State's office concerning the failure to register as a charity.

The company's domain name FreshStartOpportunities.com is registered to a Larhon Buchanan with a P.O. Box in Emeryville, CA.

Back in October, a 19-year-old man working for Fresh Start was arrested after he allegedly broke into an Edmonds home, attacked the owner and stole her purse, according to the attorney general.

Attempts to contact Fresh Start using the phone number listed on the Web site, as well as the numbered registered with the Web site domain name were unsuccessful.

The attorney general recommends always checking with the Secretary of State before making a donation to a charity. You can search for charities by visiting www.secstate.wa.gov/charities or by calling the office's charity program at 1-800-332-4483.

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You can read the attorney general's press release here.
View the domain name registration for FreshStartOpportunities.com here.